Key points:
My husband and I have equal Emmy Awards. During my decade as a television news reporter, I was the Susan Lucci of the Emmys. I was nominated several times for what I would consider extremely high-quality journalism, but I came home empty-handed. However, the story that ultimately led to the corresponding trophies was not what we expected. And sometimes that's exactly how awards selection materializes.
Now in my second act of life in the book business, I'm still in love with awards! From individual state awards to the American Library Association's Youth Media Awards (YMA), they truly celebrate excellence in content. They are the Emmy/Grammy/Academy Awards of the book business.
The best of the best are ALA's YMA-winning titles, announced each January and selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts. They encourage original and creative work in the field of literature and media for children and young people. Some of the great prizes are the following:
- Caldecott: The Randolph Caldecott Medal is awarded to the most distinguished American children's picture book artist.
- Belpré: The Pura Belpré Award is presented annually to a Latino/Latino writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and young adults.
- Printz: The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature.
- Newbery: The John Newbery Medal is awarded to the author of the most outstanding contribution to American children's literature.
- Scott King: The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are presented to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of children's and young adult books who demonstrate appreciation for African American culture and universal human values.
But, like television, what makes a story stand out? Sometimes it's not what we think…
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We know what librarians are purchasing for their students. But those best-selling products don't always equal awards. For example, four of the 10 best-selling primary school books are part of The babysitters club, I survivedand dog man series. They are all fabulous books and much loved by students and librarians, but they do not have the coveted medals on their covers.
On the other hand, winning awards often leads to bestseller success. The second best-selling title of this year, Bigabout a girl the world thought was too old to be a dancer, won the Caldecott and the Coretta Scott King, among many other awards.
School librarian Tom Bober has served on several award selection committees. He says: “Of course, the criteria, different for each award, are the driving force behind all decisions for a book to be awarded. What I find surprising are the books that each year end up with two, three, or even more shiny stickers on their covers. Something special happens with those books that somehow transcends the awards themselves when they go to so many different awards committees and meet so many different sets of award criteria. There are also books that are highly regarded among an awards committee that came so close to becoming an award-winning or honored book that those of us who are not part of that committee will never know of their existence, but I suppose those books also have a special place. in the hearts of so many librarians and on the shelves of so many libraries. Ultimately, however, I believe it is books that tell us engaging and intriguing stories and information in unique and impactful ways that can win a book an award.”
Top trends and themes among young readers often lead to awards. Middle School Librarian Alexandra Cornejo says, “An award-winning book is one that tells a compelling story while gently guiding readers to think critically. I love seeing new perspectives where the story leaves a lasting impression on the reader by evoking thoughts and conversations.”
Mysteries are all the rage right now for primary and upper primary. The most popular ones usually include some elements of mystery but also raise social issues, such as Powerful muskrats Michael Hutchinson series. I think they are popular because the mystery element keeps students actively thinking about the plot, and the STEM and social themes relate to what students are currently learning. Series are a great way for educators to relieve the “picking a book” stress that can occur for students with limited time in the library.
Bober says, “I don't know if book awards lead these trends as much as they reflect them. The book committee that selects the award-winning titles is not the same one that was part of the committee for that same award decades ago. “Those committees, which follow the award criteria, interpret those criteria and evaluate the books through their understanding of the literary world.”
In high school, many of the best-selling titles have won awards and, as a result, have become required reading, such as the giver, The strangers, and the hunger games–thus becoming “classics” for future generations.
With 16 years of service to education in the Rio Grande Valley, a tapestry of Hispanic heritage and bilingual culture, Cornejo, a 2024 Library diary Mover and Shaker hopes this year's award winners reflect the trends it is seeing in its school library. “Contemporary stories with real-life experiences, such as coming of age, coping and mental health, are trending. Students appreciate characters and settings that reflect their own lives, leaving room for humor and a bit of romance. This balance between escapism and real-world relevance is resonating with my high school students. These trends reflect the need for students to see themselves in literature.”
At the end of this year, I'll put my journalist hat back on interview Bober and Cornejo, along with a licensed teacher and a certified librarian, about this year's award contenders, make some predictions about which books could receive the coveted medals next, and discuss these and more trends in children's literature emerging Expect them to continue into 2025 and beyond.
PS Searching his Next personal favorite read? Follow me and my #BritReads adventures on your favorite social channel.
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